Welcome to the fourth annual issue of The Utah Women’s Health Review! On behalf of the editorial board and our dedicated staff, we are thrilled to present a diverse collection of original manuscripts that explore the intricacies of women’s health across the 7 Domains of Health.
In these eleven thought-provoking contributions, our authors delve into critical aspects of women’s well-being, shedding light on sex and gender health disparities. This issue holds a special place in our hearts as we navigate the complexities of women’s health against the backdrop of our ever-changing world.
This year’s issue includes two original research articles, seven insightful commentaries, and two illuminating data snapshots. Each piece thoughtfully examines at least one domain of health, contributing to our understanding of the multifaceted nature of women’s health. Additionally, we provide a link to the recorded proceedings from the 2022 “Abortion to Gen Z: Equity and Inclusion in Sex, Gender, & Women’s Health Virtual Symposium.”
Anxiety, Depression, and Pregnancy during COVID-19 (Valcarce et al): A meticulous exploration of anxiety and depression rates among pregnant women in Utah during the COVID-19 pandemic, urging a closer look at maternal mental health and the need for enhanced support and resources.
Pregnancy & Opioid Addiction (Ellsworth and Adediran): Unpacking the critical impact of opioid addiction on pregnant women and infants, addressing treatment gaps, and calling for further research to guide effective interventions.
The Consequences of Menopause on Cognitive Functioning (Ewoniuk): A compelling analysis of menopause’s impact on cognitive health, advocating for increased awareness and education, especially within the medical community.
Menstrual Cycle’s Effect on Women’s Intellectual Health (Spackman and Arteaga): Addressing the impact of menstruation on the intellectual health of women and girls, emphasizing potential negative effects and calling for increased understanding and awareness about menstruation to support women and girls intellectually.
Period Poverty (Adediran and Myrer): Tackling the pervasive issue of period poverty, defined as the inability to access affordable sanitary products, hygiene facilities, and menstrual hygiene education. The commentary well summarizes legislative efforts and policy recommendations, within and beyond Utah, to alleviate period poverty’s health and economic burdens.
COVID-19 Severity in Utah (Paegle et al): A comprehensive study revealing disparities in COVID-19 illness severity across demographic groups in Utah, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
Women in Post-Secondary Education: Utah Fails to Thrive (Turner): Analyzing trends and challenges faced by women in Utah’s educational landscape, calling for awareness, resources, and support to empower women in pursuing higher education.
Reproductive Health Literacy Among Adolescent Women in Utah (Waechtler): Addressing inadequate reproductive health literacy among adolescent women and proposing solutions to bridge educational gaps.
Do Interventions Targeting Women Impact Children’s Health Behaviors (Nava et al): An in-depth research article investigating changes in fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity among children, revealing the potential impact of interventions focused on enhancing women’s health behaviors on the well-being of children and household members.
Obesity in Pregnancy and its Effects: Utah 1993–2020 (Bellows et al): A data snapshot addressing the prevalence of obesity during pregnancy in Utah and its associated consequences, calling for public health efforts to encourage healthy weight and lifestyles.
Intellectual Health During Pregnancy (Harward et al): A commentary focusing on how pregnancy induces significant changes in a person’s brain structure, impacting intellectual health. Despite limited literature on this topic, the commentary recommends increased basic research to understand physiological and cognitive changes during and after pregnancy, development of evidence-based health education materials addressing health literacy challenges, and exploration of ways to support intellectual health amid pregnancy-related changes.
As we present these insightful articles, we encourage you to reflect on the issues discussed and consider the broader implications for women’s health. Our call to action resonates throughout, urging a collective effort to address disparities, enhance education, and advocate for the well-being of women in Utah and beyond.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the authors, reviewers, and readers who contribute to the success of The Utah Women’s Health Review. Your support empowers us to continue exploring, understanding, and championing the diverse facets of women’s health.
We look forward to receiving and reviewing your submissions in the coming years, as we continue our mission to advance knowledge and promote positive change in women’s health.
Warm regards,
Karen Schliep, PhD MSPH
Utah Women’s Health Review
Editor-in-Chief
